What to know
- Following a record-breaking snowfall in the GTA of nearly 60 centimetres, Torontonians took to social media to question why some bike lanes and sidewalks remained unplowed days after the storm.
- Users shared photos and complaints showing inconsistent snow clearing across the city, including bike lanes cleared while nearby sidewalks and routes near schools were still buried.
- The City of Toronto says bike lanes are cleared through a prioritized, city-wide process and may need to be replowed during heavy snowfall, urging residents to report unsafe conditions to 311.
Torontonians are questioning the City of Toronto as some bike lanes remain unplowed following a significant snowfall that hit the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) last weekend.
The GTA saw a record-breaking snowfall, with almost 60 centimetres covering roads, sidewalks and bike lanes on Sunday.
Days following the storm, people on social media have shared photos of both plowed and unplowed bike lanes across the city, questioning the process of snow removal and when the lanes would be cleared.
“It [has been] 5 days since the snowstorm, and contrary to what the mayor said, the snow clearing is not better than last year. Most of the bike lanes are still not usable,” a Reddit user said.
“There are hardly any bike lanes and traffic is a mess to the point where I couldn’t squeeze between cars and I became [stuck in] traffic on a bicycle,” one user replied to the same Reddit post.
Another user posted a photo of a bike lane near Jane and Bloor on Friday, which still saw a large pile of snow covering it. He tagged the city’s 311 account on X to notify them.
David Shellnutt, a Toronto-based lawyer that specializes in bike-related concerns, even emailed Mayor Olivia Chow about the city’s failure to clear bike lanes during the winter.
“We are now 5 days out from this storm and nearly all bike lanes remain
completely blocked,” it read in part. “Not just with snow piled up at the entrances and exits to the bike lanes, but with a foot and a half of snow and ice throughout. Our huge network of city infrastructure has been rendered useless and transportation options for many remain limited.”
Shellnut added that he personally had to drive his child to daycare, instead of their usual method of cycling, as he wrote it was unsafe.
The Toronto Bike Brigade, a volunteer group Shellnut participates in, delivers food and essentials from foodbanks and other community organizations to people in need.
Due to the conditions, Shellnut says the volunteers are finding it impossible and unsafe to do so.
“By not clearing bike lanes in Toronto, the city is sending a message to people who ride
bikes that their safety is not a concern,” he finished off. “That their chosen or required method of transportation is not important. That they are of lesser concern than every other person.”
One user on X replied to a post by Shellnut sharing the letter, and said “bless you Dave. I gave up.. ttc and driving it is.”
The City of Toronto’s response
The City of Toronto posted on X on Tuesday, warning residents plowing of bikeways and sidewalks may take longer following the storm.
In an email to Now Toronto on Friday, the city wrote bike lanes are a part of a prioritized, city-wide process.
“Physically separated bike lanes and key cycling routes are typically cleared using smaller, specialized equipment once snow reaches 2 cm of accumulation,” it said. “During prolonged or heavy snowfall, crews may need to return multiple times to maintain safe conditions.”
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The city added conditions such as passing cars, blowing snow and nearby road plowing may cause bike lanes to be re-covered.
In these cases, it asked residents to report any affected and unsafe conditions on bike lanes to 311 so city crews can plow them.
“Bike lanes are an essential part of Toronto’s transportation network and support safe, sustainable travel year‑round,” the city said. “[Our] goal is to clear snow from roads, sidewalks and bike lanes as efficiently and safely as possible following snowfall.”
Additionally, on the City of Toronto website, it shared the process can take some time and multiple attempts.
“It takes approximately eight hours for crews to plow each round and it may take multiple rounds of plowing to clear all cycling routes after a snowfall,” it said in part. “For two-way bikeways, the snow clearer will make one pass in each direction to ensure both lanes are clear of snow and ice.”
The city also advises cyclists to plan their routes ahead of heading out.
“During the winter, route planning is especially important. Plan your route in advance using the Toronto Cycling Map and have an alternative in case of snow or ice,” it wrote.
The city said anyone looking to cycle in parks should especially plan their route.
“During the winter months, the city maintains trails, pathways and roads within more than 250 parks across Toronto. The city cannot maintain all pathways in all parks during the winter, due to local and environmental conditions,” it said.
